The Country Overview of The Iceland Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The Country Overview of The Iceland - Essay Example Transportation: Railways: 0 km. Highways: total: 13,004 km paved: 4,331 km unpaved: 8,673 km (2004). Ports and harbors: Grundartangi, Hafnarfjordur, Reykjavik, Seydhisfjordhur. Airports: 98 (2004 est.) Vegetation: 23,805km (9,191mi) Lakes: 2,757km (1,065mi) Glaciers: 11,922km (4,603mi) Wasteland: 64,538km (24,918mi) Weather: Despite its name and latitude, warm Gulf Streams keep southern Iceland snugger than many central European countries. Summers are pleasant with average July temperatures around 12C (53F). Winters, however, are significantly blunted and while fresh enough to put some rose in the cheeks, it will not be freezing them solid. The higher altitudes and northern coast face early year Arctic winds so are naturally colder. Snow turns to rain around spring but is never too heavy. Climate is cool, temperate and oceanic, influenced by the country's location where the polar front separates air currents of polar and tropical origin. Fluctuations in average annual temperature are more pronounced in Iceland than most other places. In Reykjavik, the average temperature is 11C (52F) in July and -1C (30F) in January. For two to three months in summer there is continuous daylight in Iceland, and early spring and late autumn enjoy long twilights. The really dark period that is three to four hours of daylight lasts from about mid-November until the end of January. Iceland is located on both a geological hot spot caused by a mantle plume, and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This combined location means that the island is extremely geologically active, having many volcanoes, notably Hekla, Eldgja, and Eldfell. There are also geysers a word derived from the name of one in Iceland, Geysir. Glaciers: The most distinctive features of... Iceland is located on both a geological hot spot caused by a mantle plume and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This combined location means that the island is extremely geologically active, having many volcanoes, notably Hekla, Eldgja, and Eldfell. There are also geysers a word derived from the name of one in Iceland, Geysir. The most distinctive features of Iceland are its glaciers, which cover over 4,500 square miles (11,800 km ²) or 11.5% of the total area of the country. The largest of the glacier caps is Vatna glacier in southeast Iceland with an area of 3,240 square miles (8,400 km ²), equal in size to all the glaciers on the European mainland put together. Avalanches are common in the northwest, north and east, where the steep mountain slopes, covered with deep snow.Iceland is richer in hot springs and high-temperature activity than any other country in the world. Steam vents, mud pools and precipitation of sulfur characterize high-temperature activity. The main high-temperature ar eas are Torfa glacier east of Hekla and Grim's lakes in the Vatna glacier. Hengill near Reykjavik is utilized to provide hot water for space heating in the capital. The widespread availability of geothermal power because of the numerous rivers and waterfalls are harnessed for hydropower. The total power output of the Torfa glacier area is estimated to be equivalent to 1,500 megawatts. Hot springs are found all over Iceland. There are about 250 low-temperature geothermal areas with a total of about 800 hot springs.